Skip to main content

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1830-

Biography

The Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (established 1830) is a restorationist Christian church with a world-wide membership. Originally established in Upstate New York by Joseph Smith, Jr., the church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. In the past, it was commonly abbreviated as the LDS Church or the Mormon Church.

During the 1820s, the church's founder, Joseph Smith, experienced visions and was led to the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. The Church was officially founded by Joseph Smith on April 6, 1830, in Palmyra, New York. The members of the religion faced a series of persecutions, and eventually fled to Utah for refuge beginning in 1847. The Church continued to grow and expand beyond Utah, and with membership later numbering over 16 million. It is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Presidents of the Church have included Joseph Smith Jr. (1832-1844), Brigham Young (1847-1877), John Taylor (1880-1887), Wilford Woodruff (1889-1898), Lorenzo Snow (1898-1901), Joseph F. Smith (1901-1918), Heber J. Grant (1918-1945), George Albert Smith (1945-1951), David O. McKay (1951-1970), Joseph Fielding Smith (1970-1972), Harold B. Lee (1972-1973), Spencer W. Kimball (1973-1985), Ezra Taft Benson (1985-1994), Howard W. Hunter (1994-1995), Gordon B. Hinckley (1995-2008), Thomas S. Monson (2008-2018), and Russell M. Nelson (2018- ).

Citation:
NUCMC data from Gallaudet Coll. Archives for Russell, G.O. Papers, 1919-1971 (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

Encycl. Amer. rel., 1978 (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; org. 1830; carries on main theological & eccles. traditions of founder Joseph Smith; offshoots incl. Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (formed 1860); Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) (org. 1862) and Church of the First Born of the Fulness of Times (formed 1855))

Van Noord, R. King of Beaver Island, c1988: CIP pref. (church headed by James Jesse Strang, orig. part of Church; Strangites)

Book of Mormon. Armenian. Girkʻ Mōrmōni, 1937: t.p. (Hisus Kʻristosi Verjin-Awur Srbotsʻ Ekeghetsʻwoyn) p. 6 (1st group) (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

Book of Mormon. Turkish. Mōrmōněn Kʻitʻapě, c1906: t.p. (Hisus Kʻristosěn Akhěr-Kiwnlēr Mugattēslēri Kʻilisēsi) t.p. verso (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

Burke, L.H. History of the Washington, D.C. LDS Ward, c1990.

Book of Mormon. Vietnamese. Sách Mặc môn, 1987: t.p. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Giáo hội các thánh hữu ngày sau của Chúa Giê su Ky tô)

Liahona (Armenian), Apr. 2000: t.p. (Hisus Kʻristosi Verjin Ōreri Srberi Ekeghetsʻi) p. 1 (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Its Web site, viewed May 11, 2004 (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Book of Mormon. Cebuano. 1998. Ang Basahon ni Mormon, c1998: p. 4 of cover (Simbahan ni Jésukristo sa mga Santos sa Ulahing mga Adlaw)

Book of Mormon. Bulgarian. 2003. Knigata na Mormon, c2004 t.p. (T︠s︡ŭrkvata na Isus Khristos na svetiite ot poslednite dni)

Book of Mormon. Hiligaynon. 2005. Ang Libro ni Mormon, c2005: p. 4 of cover (Simbahan ni Jesucristo sang mga Santos sa Ulihing mga Adlaw)

Kitāb al-mabādiʼ wa-al-ʻuhūd li-Kanīsat Yasūʻ al-Masīḥ li-Qiddīsī al-Ayyām al-Akhīrah, wa-yaḥtawī ʻalā ruʼyā uʻṭiyat li-Jūzif Smith, al-Nabī ... , 1989

Wikipedia, Oct. 13, 2010 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (previously abbreviated as the LDS Church or the Mormon Church) is a restorationist Christian church and the largest denomination originating from the Latter Day Saint movement founded by Joseph Smith, Jr.; founded in Upstate New York on April 6, 1830, the church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has established congregations (called wards or branches) worldwide)

Mārman̲ puttakam, 2009: t.p. (Iyēcu Kiristuvin̲ Tiruccapai; The Church of Jesus Christ)

Die Boek van Mormon, 1972: title page (Kerk van Jesus Christus van die Heiliges van die Laaste Dae)

Mormon nwoma no mu bi, 1988: title page (Jesus Christ N'ascr a Cwc Hc Ma Ekyrmba Ahotseweelfo)

Libri i Mormonit, 1999: title page (Kisha e Jezu Krishtit e Shenjtorëve të Ditëve të Mëvonshme)

Kitāb Mūrmūn, 1985: title page (Kanīsat Yasūʻ al-Masīḥ li-Qiddīsī al-Ayyām al-Akhīrah = كنيسة يسوع المسيح لقديسي الأيام الأخيرة)

Mormoni Girkʻě, 2000: title page(Hisus Kʻristosi Verjin Ōreri Srberi Ekeghetsʻu koghmitsʻ)

Mormonan kellkatapa, 1985: title page (Jesucriston Khep Khepürunacanquiri Kollananac Tamapan mistuyata)

Ri molaj tanaj richin ri Vuj richin ri Mormon, 1978: title page (Ri Ruk'ataj ri Jesucristo quichin ri Chojlaxela' chupan ri ruq'uisibel tak K'ij)

El libre de Mormó, 1981: title page (Església de Jesucrist dels Sants dels Darrers Dies)

Mormonova Knjiga, 1983: title page (Crkva Isusa Krista Svetaca Posljednjih Dana)

Mormón Kaiya Purba, 1981: title page (Esucristo ittoed nega esordamar napi puguad onosa)

www.mormon.cz, 20 October 2011 (Církev Jez̆ís̆e Krista Svatých posledních dnů)

Eglise de Jésus-Christ des Saints des Derniers Jours, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Kerk Van Jezus Christus Van De Heiligen Der Laatste Dagen, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Viimse Aja Pühade Jeesuse Kristuse Kirik, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Myöhempien Aikojen Pyhien Jeesuksen Kristuksen Kirkko, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Η Εκκλησία του Ιησού Χριστού των Αγίων των Τελευταίων Ημερών, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Az Utolsó Napok Szentjeinek Jézus Krisztus Egyháza, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Gereja Yesus Kristus Dari Orang-Orang Suci Zaman Akhir, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Kirkja Jesú Krists hinna Síđari daga heilögu, via WWW, 20 October 2011

La Chiesa di Gesù Cristo dei Santi degli Ultimi Giorni, via WWW, 20 October 2011

末日聖徒イエス・キリスト教会, via www, 20 October 2011

Pēdējo Dienu Svēto Jēzus Kristus Baznīca, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Kościół Jezusa Chrystusa Świętych w Dniach Ostatnich, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Biserica lui Isus Hristos a Sfinților din Zilele din Urmă, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Церкви Иисуса Христа Святых последних дней, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Церкви Ісуса Христа Святих Останніх Днів, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Cirkev Jez̆is̆a Krista Svätých neskors̆ích dní, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Cerkev Jezusa Kristusa svetih iz poslednjih dni, via WWW, 20 October 2011

Jesu Kristi Kyrka av Sista Dagars Heliga, via WWW, 20 October 2011

MormonMongolia FaceBook page, viewed 2017-05-08 (Esu̇s Khristiĭn Khozhmyn U̇eiĭn Gėgėėntnu̇u̇diĭn Su̇m (Mormonchuud))

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, via WWW, Oct. 15, 2014 (History of the Church; founded April 6, 1830; LDS Church; Mormon Church; founder Joseph Smith; saw visions and found gold plates in the 1820s; persecution; fled to Utah in 1847; headquartered in Salt Lake)

Newsroom of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, via WWW, Oct. 15, 2014 (Statistical Report: April 2014 General Conference; membership over 15,000,000; prophet Thomas S. Monson)

Wikipedia, via WWW, Dec. 3, 2020 (over 16 million members; presidents: Joseph Smith Jr. (1832-1844), Brigham Young (1847-1877), John Taylor (1880-1887), Wilford Woodruff (1889-1898), Lorenzo Snow (1898-1901), Joseph F. Smith (1901-1918), Heber J. Grant (1918-1945), George Albert Smith (1945-1951), David O. McKay (1951-1970), Joseph Fielding Smith (1970-1972), Harold B. Lee (1972-1973), Spencer W. Kimball (1973-1985), Ezra Taft Benson (1985-1994), Howard W. Hunter (1994-1995), Gordon B. Hinckley (1995-2008), Thomas S. Monson (2008-2018), and Russell M. Nelson (2018- ))

Found in 77 Collections and/or Records:

Mary E. Lightner papers

 Collection — Folder 8: [Barcode: 31197239236448]
Identifier: Vault MSS 363
Scope and Contents Collection contains materials pertaining to the life of Mary E. Lightner. Includes handwritten originals and photocopies of correspondence including correspondence to Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and many prominent Mormon women while in Utah. Also included are personal histories, autobiographies, speeches, articles pertaining to her life while in Minersville, Utah, along with patriarchal blessings and a statement relating to her marriage to Joseph Smith. Dated...
Dates: 1865-1980

Eliza Maria Partridge Lyman diary

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197231045763]
Identifier: MSS 1217
Scope and Contents

Photocopy of a typescript of a diary kept by Patridge. The item begins with a brief autobiography. Lyman writes about being sealed to the first president of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith, her marriage to Amasa Lyman after Smith's death, her life in Nauvoo, Illinois, her migration to Utah, the excommunication of her husband from the Mormon Church, her life in Fillmore, Utah, and her efforts in favor of the Mormon practice of polygamy.

Dates: 1846-1885

Biographies of Peter Madsen

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197232489457]
Identifier: MSS 556
Scope and Contents

Typewritten biographies of Peter Madsen written by some of his descendants. Madsen was the bishop of the Lake View Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lake View, Utah, for thirty years. He migrated to Utah, was a prominent fisherman on Utah Lake, and went on missions for the Church to Hawaii and to Denmark.

Dates: approximately 1961

David O. McKay letter to John E. Denhalter

 Item — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197233294385]
Identifier: Vault MSS 702
Scope and Contents Typed and signed letter addressed to John E. Denhalter, Jr. at Brigham Young University and dated November 3, 1947. The letter is McKay's response to Denhalter's request for an explanation of the Mormon Church's position on denying the priesthood to the black race. McKay explains that denying the priesthood to the black race did not originate with the prejudices of men but is part of the eternal plan of God. McKay assures Denhalter that God is just, that all people will be rewarded for their...
Dates: 1947 November 3

Monte Burr McLaws papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2089
Scope and Contents

Collection consists of research files on various historical topics, including war, Mormon history, Utah territorial journalism, family history, American history, and world history. Includes lecture and research notes on McLaws' history classes and research, as well as notes on his work with the Genealogical Society of Utah and oral family history materials. Materials dated from 1955 to 1996.

Dates: 1955-1996

Reuben Gardner Miller papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 418
Abstract

Diaries, correspondence, memoranda books, financial and genealogical records, biographical sketches, and miscellaneous papers. Diaries include mission labors in the Southern States for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Biographical sketches are about parents, relatives, and friends including Mary Jane Gardner Miller, James R. Miller, Frank J. Taylor, E. J. Winder, Robert Gardner, and Reuben Miller.

Dates: 1849-1953

Mormon media coverage collection

 Collection — Box 1: [Barcode: 31197225546867]
Identifier: MSS 3288
Abstract Nine files containing miscellaneous material from newspapers and other sources on the LDS Church--mostly negative publicity. Includes articles on LDS prophet Ezra Taft Benson's dissident son, Steve Benson; Bo Gritz, ultra-conservative Mormon presidential candidate; Ervil LeBaron's Mormon break-off church, called the Church of the First Born of the Lamb of God; several letters written to CAN (Cult Awareness Network) by Mormon dissidents; polygamists in Colorado City; Clarence St. Pier Leake,...
Dates: approximately 1980-1992

L. John Nuttall papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Vault MSS 790
Scope and Contents Handwritten diaries, correspondence, lists, minutes, patriarchal blessings, and notes. The materials relate to Nuttall's involvement in numerous Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Utah Militia activities. Nuttall's position as secretary to the president of the Church allowed him to record various observations on Church conduct and doctrine. He records many of the meetings of the Church's ruling bodies. Nuttall also recounts campaigns against the Ute Indians during the Black Hawk...
Dates: 1857-1904

Orrin James Olsen collection on Orrin Orlando Barrus and Mary Elizabeth Clark Barrus family

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 3070
Scope and Contents

Contains autobiographical writings and family records pertaining to members of the Orrin Orlando Barrus and Mary Elizabeth Clark family, created between the years 1897 and 1961 in Utah. Information regarding their personal lives and ecclesiastical work are presented. Included are letters, diaries, and photographs of Orrin, Mary, their children, and their grandchildren. Also contains documents pertaining to Fred A. Turley and Edward Stevenson. Materials created 1897 to 1961.

Dates: 1897-1961

Belinda Marden Pratt papers

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230328459]
Identifier: MSS SC 2868
Scope and Contents

Letter to Belinda from her husband, Parley P. Pratt, written from San Francisco in January 1855, focusing on family concerns; and a fifteen-page autobiographical sketch written by her, dated 1884 on page one and 1889 on page eleven. Also includes an undated biographical sketch of Belinda written by Parker Pratt Robison, based on her autobiographical account. Her account discusses her conversion to Mormonism, church service, and marriage to Parley P. Pratt.

Dates: 1855-1889